Major stock indexes closed out their first weekly loss in a month in quiet trading yesterday.

THE price of oil fell 2 percent this week, as oil traders worried about global demand and shared the stock market's concerns about possible changes to the Federal Reserve economic stimulus program.

CHINA has signed an agreement with the United States to share company audit files, paving the way for more investigations into accounting scandals involving Chinese firms listed in the US.

CHINA Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd, the nation's biggest juice maker by market share, said it will buy a concentrates-and-puree maker from its chairman for HK$3.42 billion (US$440 million) in new stock.

THE Chinese yuan yesterday strengthened above the 6.13 level against the US dollar on the spot market for the first time in 19 years after the central bank set a record reference rate for the currency and Premier Li Keqiang reiterated the country was making progress in opening up its capital account.

CHINA is considering expanding a property tax trial to more cities at an appropriate time with "concrete measures" being taken this year, Xinhua news agency reported yesterday, citing an unidentified official with the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner.

THE European Commission has rejected Chinese trade association statements that talks to resolve a dispute over allegations of dumping of solar panels had broken down, while Chinese comments highlighted risks the dispute could escalate.

DELIVERIES of new-energy cars in Shanghai are likely to speed up as carmakers promise to continue offering green auto subsidies – which effectively expired at the end of last year – even before they are extended by the central government.

A model presents two pieces of jewelry of Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie, an exquisite vintage choker which was used in the American's film "The Tourist" and a cushionshaped emerald ring which was designed by Jolie along with jeweler Robert Proco…